Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old prisoner with a muscle-wasting condition, claims he has been forced to crawl around Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London due to a lack of proper medical treatment and a suitable wheelchair. Khalid is awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in last year's break-in at RAF Brize Norton, which was linked to the Palestine Action protest group.
Dehumanizing Conditions
Khalid, who has limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, described his predicament as dehumanizing. He compared his situation to that of an injured stray dog he saw in Pakistan, stating: "It genuinely broke my heart. I felt so sad because no one's going to care about it, it's just going to have to crawl with this injury. It feels worse than that because at least when I looked at that dog, I felt sympathy." He added: "I'm literally on the floor, crawling on my hand, but then I can't even use my right arm because I've fallen on my shoulder multiple times because they've not given me a wheelchair, so I can't even crawl properly."
Lack of Medical Care
Khalid alleges that the muscles in his arms and legs have wasted away, with skin hanging off his bones, a description confirmed by recent visitors. He claims he waited weeks for crutches, which he is now too weak to use, and then for a wheelchair that is unsuitable because it does not fit in his cell or the corridor. He fell out of the wheelchair twice while trying to enter his cell. He was later told the wheelchair was only for visits and appointments, forcing him to crawl to get medication.
Before receiving the wheelchair, Khalid missed appointments with a neurologist and physiotherapist because he could not get to them. He has only seen a physio once this year. During a fire alarm on 23 April, he claims prison officers saw him in bed and left, and he was in too much pain to press his emergency buzzer. He also says a neurologist recommended supplements a month ago, which he has not received, and he has not been given the high-protein food his condition requires.
Allegations of Neglect
Khalid, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 2014 and participated in a hunger strike by Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners that ended in January, alleges healthcare workers have accused him of exaggerating his condition and communicated this belief to prison officers. He demands proper medical treatment, full access to a suitable wheelchair, and the release of all his medical records to his legal team.
His mother, Shabana Khalid, said: "He showed us his legs and his arms, he's just like a skeleton with skin hanging off him and the prison want to say he's making it up. It's horrific; there's nothing we can do but get angry."
Ministry of Justice Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: "The Prison Service caters to all disabilities. All prisoners' needs are assessed when they enter custody – with arrangements made, and appropriate action taken to ensure they are met."
